3 SUPER EASY Coloring Book Hacks That Make You Look Pro

Becca from Happy Ever Crafter introduces Maggie from Little Patterns, a talented artist who has just released a new coloring book called 'Flowerscape.' Maggie is excited to share three unique coloring book hacks that she has developed. Becca expresses her initial skepticism about adult coloring books but is now impressed by Maggie's creative approach. Maggie explains that her coloring book is designed to be a collaborative project, allowing colorists to use various mediums like colored pencils, watercolors, and even ink to create personalized art. The book features a variety of designs, including botanical illustrations and negative space for lettering or journaling. Becca and Maggie discuss the relaxing nature of coloring and how Maggie's book makes it accessible for artists to focus on the creative aspects without the pressure of drawing.

Maggie demonstrates two unique coloring techniques. The first is 'gilding,' which involves using a metallic gel pen to trace the lines of the illustrations, creating a gold-foiled effect. She emphasizes the importance of using a high-opacity metallic pen to cover the black lines completely for a realistic look. The second technique is monochromatic coloring using koi watercolor brush markers in shades of gray. Maggie shows how to layer different shades of gray to create depth and dimension, starting with the lightest color and gradually adding darker shades. She explains that the paper quality of 'Flowerscape' is excellent for layering without smudging or pilling. The monochromatic technique involves fanning out strokes from the base of petals and adding shading to create a three-dimensional effect. Maggie highlights the importance of practice and experimentation in achieving the desired look.

Maggie introduces the 'patterned orb' technique, which involves creating a circular design filled with patterns and customizations. She begins by tracing a circle using a mechanical pencil and then draws small flower shapes within it. Using a Pigma Micron 05 pen, she fills the negative space with additional designs. Maggie then uses a Pigma BB brush to color the inside of the circle with pure black, leaving the flower shapes and other elements white. She explains that this technique makes coloring more approachable, especially for those who find large spreads intimidating. Maggie emphasizes the importance of customizing the design to make it unique, whether by adding patterns, color blocking, or other details. She encourages viewers to experiment with different shapes and mediums, such as colored pencils or watercolors, to create their own personalized art.

Maggie continues to work on the patterned orb design, adding details and patterns to each element within the circle using various nib sizes. She demonstrates traditional shading techniques on a larger daisy shape and encourages viewers to embrace creativity and experimentation. Maggie emphasizes that there are no strict rules, and even failures are part of the creative process. She highlights the importance of allowing oneself to fail and learn from it, as putting too much pressure on creativity can lead to disappointment. Maggie completes the design by erasing the pencil marks, leaving only the black ink detailing. She expresses her excitement about seeing what viewers will create using these techniques and mentions the potential for using them in various shapes and mediums.

Becca and Maggie conclude the video by discussing where viewers can find Maggie and her coloring book 'Flowerscape.' Maggie explains that she can be found online at Little Patterns, and the book is available for purchase on Colorflowerscape.com. She mentions that the book is widely available in major bookstores and online platforms such as Amazon, Book Depository, Barnes & Noble, Target, and Walmart. Maggie expresses her hope that the book will soon be available in more countries. Becca thanks Maggie for sharing her techniques and creative insights, and they both express their appreciation for the collaboration. The video ends with a brief comment on Becca's nail color and a mention of Maggie's pregnant friends and her dog.